Overview of Foot Problems

Some foot problems start in the foot itself, for example, from a foot injury. Others result from disorders that affect many parts of the body, such as diabetes, gout, or other types of arthritis. Problems can occur in any bone, joint, muscle, tendon, or ligament of the foot. Foot fractures are fairly common (see see Foot Fractures). Discoloration of the toenails should always be evaluated because it may be caused by certain disorders, including a fungal infection (see see Nail Disorders).

People who have diabetes or peripheral vascular disease (narrowing of the arteries that carry blood to the legs, arms, and possibly internal organs) should check their feet daily for signs of infection or ulcers and should have a doctor or foot doctor (podiatrist) check their feet at least once a year (see see Sidebar 1: Caring for the Feet).

Spotlight on Aging

With aging, many changes occur in the feet. For instance, there is typically less hair, brown coloration (pigmentation) may occur in spots or patches, and the skin may become dry. The toenails often become thicker and curved, and fungal infections of the nails occur commonly. The feet may actually enlarge in length and width because of changes in the ligaments and joints. A person with these types of changes may need to wear larger shoes. Therefore, feet should be measured periodically or when purchasing new shoes. Also, feet can be damaged by a lifetime of ill-fitting shoes.

Many foot disorders are treated by changing a person's footwear, such as wearing different shoes or using inserts or other devices placed in the shoe that change the position or range of movement of the foot to relieve pressure on affected joints or painful areas (called orthotics or orthoses). Injections of an anesthetic into the affected joint or painful area can often relieve pain and decrease muscle spasms so that joints can move more easily, and a corticosteroid may also be injected to decrease inflammation. If these treatments are not successful, sometimes surgery is needed to improve joint alignment and function and relieve pain.